This bill "provide essential protections for the transgender community in employment, education, and in situations where people face hate-based violence," according to Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, the New England LGBT advocacy organization, passed the Senate which approved it on a voice vote.

Governor Deval Patrick has to sign it and he had already told The Boston Globe that if it passed the Senate, he would do it:

After allowing gay marriage in 2004 becoming the first state to pass it, Massachusetts continues on its way towards more equality. There remain still things to improve since this bill does not provide protections in "public accommodations" such as public restrooms.

Normally, the constitution of Montana must grant equality of treatment for all people so for gays and lesbians also. Based on this, ACLU will defend Mary Anne Guggenheim and her partner of 27 years, Jan Donaldson.

Recently, Mary Anne undergo a surgery to replace her hip and the doctor refused to speak to Jan.

As Jan say it very well, "this case is about treating people fairly and humanely."

"We just want the dignity of having our committed partnership recognized as worthy of those legal protections."

ACLU said that the recognition of same-sex partnerships is necessary to confirm to uphold fair treatment for all, guaranteed by Montana's constitution.

"Anyone who works and pays taxes should be treated equally and fairly by our state," said Jennifer Giuttari, interim legal director for the ACLU of Montana.

"When two people are in a committed relationship, they should be eligible for benefits, like filing a joint tax return, regardless of whether they are a same-sex couple or a different-sex couple," she added.